Posts Tagged ‘british’

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Not Quite – 1961 MG TC Replica

January 24, 2014

The MG T-series of cars has nearly completely escaped the grasp of the common enthusiast, for better or worse, but what we can still access are some of the replicas. These cars made #22 on the Sports & Exotic Car list, and aside from the more common Fiberfab TD replica, there was also a replica of the MG TC produced by a company known as Octagon Motors. Closer in spirit to the original than the Fiberfab attempt, this car was built on a Triumph Herald platform, and runs a 948cc four-cylinder putting out 34.5hp, versus the original TC’s 54.5hp. Fortunately, the Herald was also built with larger engines up to a 1300 with 61hp, a whopping 6.5hp over the original TC. You can find this 1961 MG TC replica for sale in San Francisco, CA for $3500.

1961 MG TC replica left front

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4th Place – 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mark IV

January 24, 2014

With just over 300,000 produced, the Spitfire beats out cars you’d think were more successful, like the BMW Z3, Honda S2000, and Mercedes R107 SL. Of course, it fell well short of the Z3 in terms of annual sales, but it did beat the other two. With a fully independent suspension, a single piece front end for better engine access, normal wind-up windows, and more powerful engines, the Spitfire seemed to outdo its main competitors, the Midget and Fiat 850 spider, fairly well. And while it’s subjective, you could argue the Spitfire has more attractive, flowing styling against the Midget’s and 850’s cheap and cheerful look. Check out this 1971 Triumph Spitfire, for sale in Fair Oaks, CA for $1800.

1971 Triumph Spitfire right front

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More MG – 1972 MG Midget

January 23, 2014

The smallest of sports cars were still quick sellers when new – MG Midgets and Triumph Spitfires hit positions 3 and 4, respectively, on the Sports & Exotic Car ragtop list. And it’s not surprising, really – simple drivetrains and Italian-ish styling made for a compelling experience. By the 1970s, Midgets had received some compelling upgrades, including a fixed convertible top, 1275cc A-series engine, and several US-mandated safety features, along with a short-lived switch to rounded rear wheel arches and split rear bumpers. Those last design changes made the 1972-73 Midget the most attractive of its range. Unfortunately, it was also detuned with lowered compression to comply with new emissions regulations, so you had to make do with a stock 54.5hp. However, the ubiquity of the A-series engine means upgrades are fairly straightforward, 40ish years on. You can find this stock-looking 1972 MG Midget for sale in Mesa, AZ for $3995 (or less, if you’re willing to risk an auction for some savings).

1972 MG Midget right rear

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